The Edo-Tokyo Museum (江戸東京博物館, pronounced Edo Tokyo Hakubutsukan) is an essential destination for understanding the history and culture of Tokyo. Open since 1993, it has been closed for renovations since April 1, 2022, and is expected to reopen in May 2025.
This museum is a treasure for those wishing to explore Japanese life through detailed exhibits and historical artifacts.
What is the history of Tokyo presented at the museum?
From Tokyo's origins to the Edo period
Tokyo, once a simple fishing village named Edo (江戸), was transformed into the capital of the Tokugawa shogunate in the early 17th century. The Edo period (1600-1868) profoundly influenced Japanese culture, especially its traditions.
In 1868, during the transition to the Meiji era, Edo was renamed Tokyo (東京, meaning "eastern capital"), marking the end of the shogunate and the beginning of an imperial system.
The Edo period and its legacy
The Edo period left a lasting impact on what is now referred to as "traditional culture".
The Edo-Tokyo Museum allows visitors to immerse themselves in this era through life-sized reconstructions, detailed models, and exhibitions of ukiyo-e prints.
What can you see at the Edo-Tokyo Museum?
The grand Nihonbashi bridge
Upon entering, you're greeted by an impressive replica of the wooden Nihonbashi bridge. This bridge was once the starting point of Japan’s five major roads.
If you search carefully in the Nihonbashi district in Tokyo, you’ll find a small plaque in the middle of a bridge marking this starting point. Even today, road distances in Japan are measured from this spot.
Daily life during the Edo period
The tour continues with reconstructions of streets and traditional houses from the Edo period. The museum offers a full immersion experience with detailed models and exhibitions of books and ukiyo-e prints.
However, it’s important to note that most explanations are in Japanese, which may limit the understanding for non-Japanese-speaking visitors.
The catastrophes of the 20th century
Tokyo's history is marked by major disasters, notably the great earthquake of 1923 and the bombings of World War II.
The 1923 earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.9, caused the death of 200,000 people, left 2 million homeless, and destroyed over 500,000 buildings. The damages from the war bombings are also well documented in the museum.
The modern era
The final part of the museum is dedicated to the recent evolution of Tokyo. Since Japan opened to the world, the daily life of the Japanese has changed significantly, partly influenced by American culture. This section showcases the evolution of homes and lifestyles, offering a striking contrast to previous eras.
What activities does the Edo-Tokyo Museum offer?
The Edo-Tokyo Museum doesn’t just have static exhibits; it also offers interactive activities that immerse visitors in history.
You can try lifting old firefighters' water buckets or sit in a palanquin.
Additionally, there are 20-minute mini-shows available, which make the visit even more memorable. The schedules for these shows can be found on the pamphlet distributed at the museum's entrance.
How to make the most of your visit to the Edo-Tokyo Museum?
Planning and duration of the visit
To fully enjoy the museum, it is advisable to plan for a half-day visit. The museum is very popular, especially on weekends and rainy days. Arriving early or on weekdays can help avoid the crowds.
Language accessibility
One of the challenges for non-Japanese-speaking visitors is the limited explanations in foreign languages. Most textual explanations are only in Japanese, so you will mainly have to look at the displays.
However, the museum offers audio guides in French for a deposit of 1,000 yen, refundable upon return. Additionally, volunteer guides are available on the 6th floor between 1:10 PM and 2:15 PM for a 15-minute tour. They only take four people at a time, and the language depends on the guides present.
Amenities
Finally, the museum has a gift shop and a café, perfect for a well-deserved break after exploring the extensive exhibits. You’ll find unique items related to Tokyo’s history, perfect for taking home a souvenir from your visit.
